The (highly unofficial) FIDONET OS2PROG C++ compiler pros and cons list
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            What C++ class libraries are available for OS/2 ?
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      [ Note : this part of the Pros and Cons list is incomplete. ]


  ~ IBM OpenClass

    IBM OpenClass is intended to be a complete application framework in its
    own right.  It covers everything, from strings and sets, through
    threads and processes, to frames, listboxes and sliders.  It is
    entirely possible to write complex PM applications using IOC, and never
    have to include  to get at the system API directly.

    IOC uses the standard "construction is creation" metaphor when it comes
    to user interface elements.  It also introduces the rather neat idea of
    "handlers", which is an exceptionally elegant way of solving the
    problem of dealing with PM messages without the need for ugly macros
    and tables that are necessary with other C++ GUI class libraries.

    IOC is shipped with IBM VisualAge C++ for OS/2, and IBM VisualAge C++
    for Windows, and most of the time the same source will do for both.  It
    is not available with other C++ compilers.

    IOC also has one of the best "how to" books available for *any* C++
    class library.  It's clear, it's concise, and it explains everything
    from the ethos of IOC to how to attach additional widgets to the title
    bar of your frame windows.

    From the C++ Programmers' Booklist :

        OS/2 C++ Class Library   Power GUI Programming with C Set++
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        Kevin Leong, Bill Law, Bob Love, Bruce Olson, and Hiroshi Tsuji
        Van Nostrand Reinhold
        800 pages
        ISBN 0-442-01795-2


  ~ ObjectPM, from Secant Technology

    ObjectPM is one of the lesser-known C++ class libraries for OS/2, but
    that is not a reflection on its quality.  It is elegantly organised,
    and rather extensive.

    Unlike IOC, which has to make "lowest common denominator" choices in
    some places due to its desire to support Windows, ObjectPM is aimed
    precisely at Presentation Manager and OS/2, and so does not make such
    compromises.

    One interesting note is that Secant also produces a custom control pack
    for Presentation Manager (in the form of PMCX controls, so you can use
    them from Prominare Designer), along with ObjectPM wrappers for those
    controls.  The control pack includes a spreadsheet control, a calendar
    control, and a bubble help control, to name but a few.

    ObjectPM is available for IBM VisualAge C++ for OS/2 and Borland C++
    for OS/2.  For further details, contact Nick Knight :

       " There is a chapter detailing some of ObjectPM's internals and
        classes in the book "Objects for OS/2" (VNR).  A complete running
        set of ObjectPM demo apps is included on the CD-ROM that comes
        with "OS/2 Warp Unleashed" (Sams).  Anyone that's interested can
        also call Raleigh Systems at (216) 292-7225 and ask for info via
        fax or US Mail.  There's a BBS.  Oh, ya, you can ftp a detailed
        overview of ObjectPM from my personal-and-often-down ftp site:
        nick.raleigh.com.  Look for OPMINFO.DOC.

       "    Nick (nick.knight{at}pcohio.com) "


  ~ Borland ObjectWindows for PM

    Borland ships OWL/PM with Borland C++ for OS/2.  Although OWL has won
    many praises on Windows, for being much more object-oriented than its
    competitors, and for encapsulating the Windows API in C++, the same
    cannot be heard from PM developers.

    OWL/PM does not cover any of the CUA91 controls, such as Notebooks and
    Sliders (ObjectPM and IOC do); the OWL/PM documentation is seriously
    erroneous in several places (all of the application initialisation
    examples are wrong for Presentation Manager, for example, since PM
    does not have instance handlers); and OWL/PM tends to use Windows
    designs for PM, which can result in application missing several
    fundamental PM features that aren't present on Windows.

    On the plus side, there are OWL/PM developers tools Out There.  One
    such is Professor OWL, a shareware OWL development system from Ed
    March Jr., which should be avaialble on all good files sites around
    the world.

    There are also many OWL books.  The fact that many of them are based
    on the assumption that you will be using Windows is not such a
    disadvantage -- considering that OWL/PM so shamefully treats PM as if
    it were Windows.


  ~ Zinc

    Zinc is a cross-platform GUI class library that supports a wide range
    of C++ compilers on a wide range of platforms (OS/2 PM, X Window,
    Windows, Macintosh).  Unfortunately, this leads to the ultimate in
    Least-Common-Denominator-itis.

    Zinc may be good for producing simple and plain-looking applications,
    but you won't get any advanced PM features out of it, such as CUA91
    controls, or be able to perform complex graphical work with it.


  ~ ZApp


  ~ C++/Views

   / JdeBP .          / (c) Copyright 1996-1996 All Rights Reserved. .
   / FIDONET 2:440/4.0                      JdeBP{at}donor2.demon.co.uk .

... Another excellent OS/2 day goes by.
--- Blue Wave/OS2 v2.20 [NR]